The Welsh Terrier

Although it will change the texture and lighten the color of a Welsh terrier’s coat, clipping these dogs instead of handstripping them makes for a faster and more cost-effective groom.

This is Tommy, a two-year-old Welsh terrier. When shown, these dogs are handstripped, but pets are often clippered. At a young age, Tommy’s family decided to go with the pet version of the Welsh terrier groom. Using clippers on the coat instead of handstripping is faster, and thus more cost effective for the owner. It’s also a groom that every groomer can do. Keep in mind that using a clipper on the coat will change its texture and will also lighten the color of the hair.

Before

Step 1: BrushBrush through the coat, removing undercoat and knots.

Step 2: Clip Pads Clip the pads with a #30 or #40 blade.

Step 3: Clip & File NailsClip the nails to the quick and file.

Step 4: Pluck & Clean EarsPluck the hair from the ear canal and swab it clean.

Step 5: Clip Sanitary AreasClip the sanitary areas with a #10 blade.

Step 6: Clip Rear EndClip from between the back legs up to the anus with a #10 blade.

Step 7: Clip EarsClip the entire outside of the ear, and then the inside, with a #10 blade, being careful of ear flaps on the inside.

Step 8: Clip Face Using a #10 blade, clip from the outer corner of the eye to the ear; from the outer corner of the mouth to the cowlick under the ear; and under the chin, from the outer corner of the mouth down the throat to about two fingers above the breast bone. I often clip back from the canine on the lower lip, to keep the beard free of food debris. Clip from behind the eyebrows to the back of the head.

Step 9: Clip BodyI use a #4 blade, but the size of the blade or snap-on comb can be changed, depending on the owner’s preference or physical appearance of the dog. Clip from the back of the head to the tip of the tail. Clip down the shoulders to above the elbows. Clip down the sides leaving a little skirt. Clip the top of the rear leg exposing the thigh muscle.

Step 10: Clip TailClip both sides and the underside of the tail with the same blade used on the body.

Step 11: Set LegsUse a #1 snap-on comb to set the length of the hair on both the rear and front legs.

Step 12: Finish Head Edge the ears with shears, using your thumb to protect the ear. Thin between the eyes. On pets, I tend to clean more of the hair under the eyes. Owners like to see their pets eyes and avoid debris build up in the corners. Thin between the eyes to separate the eyebrows. Blend the clipper line from the outer corner of the eye to the mouth with thinning shears. Shape the eyebrows with straight shears; the line should be cut from the outer corner of the eye to the nose (the eyesbrows are not as long as schnauzers). The beard can be neatened or trimmed to the owner’s preference.

Step 13: Finish Tail Trim the hair from the end of the tail.

Step 14: Finish Rear Legs Pick up the foot and comb the hair towards the pads. Trim any hair hanging over the pads without trimming any hair from the sides of the foot. Place the foot back on the table and round the foot. Scissor the front of the rear leg, following the natural curve of the knee. Blend the clipper line with thinning shears on the thigh. Scissor the natural curve of the back of the rear leg. Scissor the bottom half of the leg into a column shape. Scissor the hair between the legs parallel to the leg.

Step 15: Blend Clipper Line Blend the clipper line with thinning shears and trim the bottom of the skirt.

Step 16: Finish Front Legs Trim the front foot the same as the rear, rounding the foot. Comb the hair out on the front leg and trim into a column shape.

After

Professional groomer Anne Francis is a grooming competitor and speaker. She works at The Village Groomer in Walpole, Mass.

Is there a breed or cut that you’d like to see featured in the Grooming Table? Send your suggestions to jboncy@petbusiness.com.